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Avery Gallery


The Avery Gallery is located right down the road from The Big Chicken, there is an unknown art gallery that is hidden within Marietta. Everyday visitors and art collectors are welcomed by two fairly spacious show rooms. No space is wasted, yet the first time I visted, I did not feel entirely overwhelmed by too much. The "Avery Gallery" prides themselves on art that is pleasing to the eye. Every piece within this gallery is shown here for a reason; you will be surprised to find an authentic art gallery with an emphasis on traditional fine arts created by a variety of artists.

"Avery Gallery" is owned and operated by Shae Avery and his wife Gwenda. Every inch of their art facility is dedicated to the showcasing of their collection as well as the care and maintenance of art. Avery was very kind to give me a behind the scenes look at their whole operation.
Avery told me of his passion for art which was sparked by a J. Vance Miller painting he had been immediately drawn to from a gallery window. It was an oil on canvas called "Path to the Cascades, Little Stoney Creek, Giles County"; it reminded him of his hometown in New Jersey. He bought it immediately.



During the interview, I asked him if he had any formal background in the arts. He explained to me that he went to several different colleges and that he obtained a degree in industrial design, but that he did not major in the fine arts. This personal and sublime experience with the painting fueled his passion for traditonal art. Avery spent time working at a gallery where he obtained many years of experience as well as many fundamental pieces within his personal collection.

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Rothky, Oil on canvas. Baronissa & Baron Daublebsky
As we made our way through the gallery, he explained to me some of the history behind each of the pieces. What also caught my immediate attention was a pair portrait paintings that were priced $40,000 as a pair by an artist named Von Rothky. While viewing the "Baronissa Daublebsky" and "Baron Daublebsky", it made an impression to me. I don't know if it was due to the sheer size of these paintings, or the mystery behind them, but I felt awed.



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Luigi Kasimir (1881-1962)
The collection that I was most interested in was a series created by the Kasimir family. Avery told me about the history of the Kasimirs. Luigi Kasimir's etchings were revolutionary to the printmaking world; he created advanced and innovative techniques in color etchings. He used anywhere from two to six plates for each layer of color; he applied each application of color by hand. Each finished etching had a lively and vibrant atmosphere to them. Kasmir's family was also vital to his art, his wife and his son became very well accomplished in etching as well.
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Luigi Kasimir. Color Etching


During the 80s the Avery's business boomed. This was the age where fine art appreciation was at its peak and people saved enough money to the point where they could afford more luxury items. But as the economy fell into a depression, the patrons for the arts were getting tighter with their budget. In the 90's up until September 11th, 2001, excess spending on the fine arts was practically non-exisitant. There was a decline in the focus of art appreciation were many people at this time who could afford to spend money on luxury items.

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(annoynomous) From Madonna X-Mas

These days art galleries can not be one sided. They must have several facets and ways to sustain business. The "Avery Gallery" creates custom complex convex glass, custom framing, and art restoration. They are contracted by the city to restore and maintain works within the Cyclorama. They also have many restoration projects that they are always working on.

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Salvador Dali. Afghan Invisible. Engraving

With their historic oil paintings, bronze sculptures, photographs, etchings, and mixed media pieces, the "Avery Gallery" is a great art gallery for both locals and art collectors without driving downtown .



Here is an overview of the range of art they have...

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Iris. Silk Screen. $30.00

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Robert Workman. Photographic print. $150.00

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Vinciata (Joseph Wallace King).
Blue Ridge Evening
Oil on canvas. $48,000


[ For more information about this gallery, visit their website: http://averygallery.com ]


Article written by: Vivian Lai, March 2006